SINGLES
It seems strange to say regard-
ing a reigning class champion
who came into Rapid City boast-
ing a massive championship
lead and six race wins on the
season, but Kody Kopp needed
this one.
The fact is, the Red Bull KTM
ace had built up his big points
advantage by opening the
season with three wins in the
first six rounds. And while he'd
continued in largely stellar form
since—including the addition of
three more victories—he'd also
been out-pointed and arguably
outshined in the subsequent
seven races by upstart Aussie
sensation Tom Drane.
before the championship heads
to the Springfield Mile for its La
-
bor Day weekend double finale.
After delivering the Black Hills
drubbing, Mees said, "It was a
good day. We unloaded out of
the truck and were pretty much
right on point. That was a big
key to our success. We were
fast all day—won the heat, won
the [Mission #2Fast2Tasty Chal
-
lenge], and got a good start in
the main event. That was key on
this tiny, slippery little groove.
Man, the motorcycle was just so
hooked up. It had a lot of mus-
cle, and I needed it. This slippery
stuff is just my cup of tea. Big
hats off to my team. Now we
move on to Castle Rock."
changed—came home sixth,
while Bauman fell to the back
of that big pack in 12th after
encountering some issues at
mid-distance.
G&G Racing's Kolby Carlile
finished seventh, followed by
Moto Anatomy X powered by
Royal Enfield's Johnny Lewis,
JMC Racing's Jarod Vanderkooi,
Fastrack Racing's Bronson Bau
-
man, and Fisher's Rackley Rac-
ing teammate, Ben Lowe.
This Grand National Cham-
pionship fight is far from over,
although Mees has certainly
stolen away the momentum.
That said, the Castle Rock TT
looms large and presents a real
opportunity for some reshuffling
ROUND 15 / AUGUST 6, 2023
BLACK HILLS SPEEDWAY / RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA
FLAT TRACK I PROGRESSIVE AMERICAN FLAT TRACK, SANCTIONED BY AMA PRO RACING
P86
Beach made it two
Yamahas on the
SuperTwins podium.
